Yemen: UN urges good faith as ‘milestone’ talks underway in Sweden

United Nations, Dec 7: The Yemeni Government and the Houthi opposition have gathered at United Nations-sponsored political talks, close to the Swedish capital, Stockholm, aimed at ending nearly four years of brutal war in the country.

Special Envoy Martin Griffiths, the senior UN official facilitating the talks, said that the resumption of the political process, after two-and-a-half years, is an 'important milestone' and the presence of the two delegations shows that they are ready to work together, United Nations reported.

"Let us be in no doubt that Yemen’s future is in the hands of those of us in this room", he told delegates adding that "the country’s institutions are at risk, the fragmentation of the country is an enormous concern and we must act now before we lost control of the future of Yemen."

Later, he added that being together in the room demonstrated “to each other, and most importantly to the people of Yemen that you are ready to come together in the name of a peaceful political solution to the conflict,” Mr Griffiths declared, addressing a press conference alongside representatives and the Swedish Foreign Minister, Margot Wallström.

The UN Special Envoy also highlighted that the calls made by leaders from both parties in recent weeks for reduction of violence and “de-escalation” of military operations, have formed an important backdrop for bringing the two sides together.

“Such a reduction of violence and restraint on the battlefield has a significant impact on the lives of Yemenis, but is also a signal to the people that we are here with serious intent to pursue a political solution,” he said. (UNI)